First Known Use: circa 1548
Dictionary
pilfer
verb pil·fer \ˈpil-fər\
: to steal things that are not very valuable or to steal a small amount of something
pil·feredpil·fer·ing \-f(ə-)riŋ\
Full Definition of PILFER
intransitive verb
: steal; especially : to steal stealthily in small amounts and often again and again
transitive verb
: steal; especially : to steal in small quantities
— pil·fer·able \-f(ə-)rə-bəl\ adjective
— pil·fer·age \-f(ə-)rij\ noun
— pil·fer·er \-fər-ər\ noun
— pil·fer·proof \-ˌprüf\ adjective
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Origin of PILFER
Middle French pelfrer, from pelfre booty
Related to PILFER
Synonym Discussion of PILFER
steal, pilfer, filch, purloin mean to take from another without right or without detection. steal may apply to any surreptitious taking of something and differs from the other terms by commonly applying to intangibles as well as material things <steal jewels> <stole a look at the gifts>. pilfer implies stealing repeatedly in small amounts <pilfered from his employer>. filch adds a suggestion of snatching quickly and surreptitiously <filched an apple from the tray>. purloin stresses removing or carrying off for one's own use or purposes <printed a purloined document>.
PILFERER Defined for Kids
pilfer
verb pil·fer \ˈpil-fər\
pil·feredpil·fer·ing
Definition of PILFER for Kids
: to steal small amounts or articles of small value
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